- Volunteer vacations might take you to a farm in the high Andes.tequile island on lake titicaca, peru image by pcphotos from Fotolia.com
Volunteer vacations are a relatively new phenomena, offering both cultural immersion and a chance to help others. Although some might balk at the idea of paying for airfare to another country in order to volunteer time and labor, it is rapidly growing in popularity due to the sense of satisfaction that it brings and for the opportunity to observe and interact with the host culture in a totally new and different way. Family volunteering is becoming particularly popular because of the bonding experience it provides and the valuable life-lessons it imparts in the children who participate. - Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program pairs families seeking a volunteer vacation with one of the many development programs that it offers around the world. There is an ever-changing list of trips, with projects located both domestically and abroad. Although the main purpose of a Global Village vacation is to help families around the world attain affordable and decent housing, itineraries have plenty of free time scheduled in for volunteers to explore their host community and experience the culture. Volunteers stay with a host family in the community that is benefiting from the Global Village project, bonding with the people of the area through mutual sharing. No experience is necessary when volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, and all age groups are welcome.
Habitat for Humanity: Global Village Program
121 Habitat Street
Americus, GA 31709
800-422-4828
habitat.org - Global Citizens Network specializes in family volunteer vacations, offering a wide-range of volunteer destinations and a flexible calendar, with private trips available. Examples of Global Citizen Network's volunteer opportunities include destinations in Kilomeni, Tanzania for the construction of a primary school, Tarapoto, Peru for the building of a kitchen at a local school and Rock Point, Arizona to aid in farm work and the refurbishing of community buildings on the local Navajo reservation. A grading system exists to illustrate which destinations are the best for family attendance, as well as for physical considerations. The minimum age for participation in family volunteering through Global Citizens Network is eight years old, although special consideration will be made for those wishing to travel with younger children.
Global Citizens Network: Cross-Cultural Expeditions
11000 West 78th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55344
800-644-9292
globalcitizens.org - Earthwatch Institute offers a wide range of family volunteer opportunities, such as archaeological digs, community development, wildlife monitoring and rescue, environmental preservation and cultural study. Trips through Earthwatch Institute offer a hands-on approach to scientific and cultural learning, special activities and organizational considerations for families and some trips may even count toward community service or scout badges. Examples of excursions through Earthwatch include a joint effort between the Samburu people of Kenya and volunteer networks to preserve the endangered Grevy's zebra, an archaeological dig at a Roman site in Britain and the tracking of Pacific grey whales off the coast of British Columbia. Accommodation and meals depend on the location of the excursion and are detailed in the trip proposal. Excursion times are generally between seven to 14 days, with shorter and longer trips sometimes offered. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged since family volunteer vacations tend to book quickly.
Earthwatch Institute: Family Teams
114 Western Ave.
Boston, MA 02134
800-776-0188
earthwatch.org
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